Film Release February 22, produced by NOCCA Creative Writing Alum Sarah Dileo

Bless Me, Ultima is a turbulent coming-of-age story about a young boy, Antonio (Luke Ganalon), growing up in New Mexico during World War II. When a mysterious curandera (healer) named Ultima (Miriam Colon) comes to live with his family, she teaches him about the power of the spiritual world. As their relationship grows, Antonio begins to question his strict upbringing by his parents (Dolores Heredia & Benito Martinez). Through a series of mysterious and at times terrifying events, Antonio must grapple with questions about the nature of divinity and his own destiny.

The film was written and directed by Carl Franklin (Devil in a Blue Dress), the executive producer is Christy Walton, and producers are Mark Johnson, Sarah DiLeo and Jesse B’Franklin. The film stars Miriam Colon, Luke Ganalon, Dolores Heredia, Benito Martinez, Castulo Guerra and Joaquin Cosio.

Bless Me, Ultima will be given a limited national release in February 2013. Arenas Entertainment is distributing and marketing the film. The film, Bless Me, Ultima, is based on the provocative award-winning novel by celebrated author, Rudolfo Anaya.

Bless Me, Ultima will debut in more than 200 theaters across the country, including in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, Denver, Tucson, San Antonio and New Orleans.